Alpha lipoic acid, which may also be referred to as “ALA,” is a fatty acid and antioxidant synthesized naturally within the human body. This substance is also available in the form of an orally administered supplement.

Studies shown that alpha lipoic acid may improve some symptoms related to diabetes and may help to control blood sugar levels within a normal range. However, this supplement has not been approved as a drug for the treatment of diabetes.

In addition, alpha lipoic acid may cause side effects for some people. Below is an overview of alpha lipoic acid and its effects for people with diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Functions

Alpha lipoic acid is a dithiol compound produced naturally by the body. It may also be derived from certain food sources, including broccoli, spinach and brewer’s yeast.

This nutrient had been shown to protect against oxidizing processes in the body. Alpha lipoic acid also plays an important role in enzymatic reactions within the mitochondria.

Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid has several effects on the human body, including moderation of health cholesterol levels, suppression of virus transcription, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects and more.

It is believed to have anti-aging as well as detoxification benefits. The Natural Medicines Database reports that people have used alpha lipoic acid supplements for many different purposes including liver disease, cancer, HIV and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Lower Blood Sugar?

Controlling blood sugar is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic complications from developing. Research indicates that alpha lipoic acid may help to lower elevated blood glucose levels.

Specifically, in a study published in 2011, researchers found that treatment with alpha lipoic acid led to lower fasting blood glucose levels and lower postprandial plasma glucose levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Another study examined the effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The women were given a 600mg controlled-release supplement twice a day for 16 weeks.

After the end of the treatment period, participants experienced a 13.5% improvement in insulin sensitivity as well as improved serum triglycerides.

In another study, researchers found that treating mice fed a high-fat diet with alpha lipoic acid led to improved glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.

However, neither of these studies is sufficient to validate the ability of alpha lipoic acid to lower blood sugar in all diabetic patients. Researchers are continuing to explore this issue.

Top Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements

Benefits of ALA for Diabetes

Studies indicate that alpha lipoic acid may have specific benefits for people with diabetes. Some of the purported benefits of alpha lipoic acid for diabetes include:

Lower fasting blood sugar – The results of several research studies support the idea that taking an alpha lipoic acid supplement may reduce fasting blood sugar levels among individuals with diabetes. The National Medicines Database reports that alpha lipoic acid is considered “possibly effective” for this purpose.

Improved glucose metabolism – Studies have also shown that alpha lipoic acid may improve the rate at which glucose is metabolized.

Improvement/prevention of diabetic neuropathy – Multiple studies have indicated that patients taking an alpha lipoic acid supplement experience reduction in hyperglycemia-induced lipid peroxidation in sciatic and brain tissues, which may protect against neuropathy.

Fifty percent of individuals diagnosed with this disorder experience symptoms of Diabetic Distal Sensory-Motor Neuropathy. ALA is considered to be effective in the treatment of this condition, although it is typically administered in an intravenous form and not a dietary supplement.

Other studies have shown that administering ALA may also reduce the symptoms of existing neuropathies, possibly by increasing circulation.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of diabetes, causing a painful sensation in the limbs and extremities. Some experience this as a burning, itching, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes.

Taking up to 600 mg per day of Alpha Lipoic Acid for three weeks was shown to significantly reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in one study.

ALA may also improve symptoms of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), which occurs in about twenty-five percent of people diagnosed with diabetes. This condition can cause educed heart rate variability and increase the risk of death from a cardiovascular incident or otherwise.

A multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study looked at the effects of ALA on 187 diabetics divided into four groups. One group received 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid daily, another received 1,200 mg per day, a third received 1,800 mg and the fourth was given a placebo.

At the end of five weeks, those taking the supplement saw a 50% decrease in symptoms, compared to a 32% decrease in those given the placebo. The researchers concluded that, “Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid for five weeks improved neuropathic symptoms and deficits in 187 patients with diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy.”

Recommended Dosage of Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetics

The following dosages have been used in past research studies without serious adverse effects.Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes Type 2 – Oral dosages of 300 to 1800 mg of ALA daily for a maximum of 2 years; Intravenous dosages of 500 to 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid in saline for up to 3 weeks.

Neuropathy – Oral dosages of 600 to 1800 mg of ALA daily for up to 4 years.

Impaired glucose tolerance – Intravenous dosages of 600 mg of ALA in 250 mL of saline once daily for up to 3 weeks.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Alpha lipoic acid is generally well-tolerated, but side effects are possible.

Some of the most common side effects experienced by consumers taking alpha lipoic acid supplements orally include:

Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting

People taking alpha lipoic acid intravenously have also experienced localized pain and redness at the injection site.

In most cases, reactions to both oral and intravenous forms of alpha lipoic acid have been mild. If you experience significant side effects while taking this supplement, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.

Taking Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes Safely

Consumers with diabetes should be especially cautious when taking alpha lipoic acid. Studies have shown that this supplement may lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

When combined with anti-diabetes medications, this may lead to hypoglycemia. If you plan to take this supplement for diabetes, talk to your doctor to determine whether your other diabetes medications should be adjusted accordingly.

You should also avoid taking this supplement with other supplements that are known to cause hypoglycemia.

If you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, shakiness and dizziness, check your blood sugar and take steps to correct the problem if you find that your sugar level is too low.

MECHANISM: As a hydrophilic and lipophilic endogenous anti-oxidant, ALA protects against oxidative damage throughout the body and in the brain. It is also a cofactor for mitochondrial bioenergetic
enzymes. READ MORE...

DOSAGE: 300 - 1,200 mg per day; Taken in 1-3 dosages per day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Generally well tolerated with mild side effects compared to a placebo. May cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, or skin rash. Adverse effects more likely at higher dosages.

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